With the FDA’s updated guidelines highlighting the limitations of mammograms—especially for women with dense breasts—there’s an increased need to explore supplemental screening methods. At our clinic, we go beyond mammography by combining thermography with advanced biomarker testing, offering a more comprehensive view of your overall cancer risk.
Why Use Biomarkers to Screen for Breast Cancer?
Our biomarker panel includes three specific tumor markers. Each of these markers are measured in the blood and play a unique role in detecting not only breast cancer but potentially other forms of cancer.
- AFP is a marker often elevated in certain types of cancer and can be used for early detection.
- CA 15-3 has an impressive specificity of 96.43%, making it a reliable marker for distinguishing between benign conditions and cancer.
- CEA, a broad-spectrum tumor marker, is widely used in cancer detection and especially useful for monitoring and evaluating curative effects.
According to recent research, the combined use of these three markers—AFP, CA15-3, and CEA—achieves a remarkable sensitivity of 83.46% and an accuracy of 80.25% in detecting breast cancer [1]. By measuring these biomarkers, we can detect abnormalities beneath the surface that thermography alone might not reveal.
How Does Biomarker Testing Complement Thermography?
Thermography detects heat patterns and abnormal blood flow, which can indicate inflammation and early-stage cancer. However, it’s the combination with biomarker testing that gives a full view of your cancer risk. If a thermogram appears normal but one or more tumor markers are elevated, it can prompt further testing to catch issues before they escalate. Conversely, if thermography shows abnormalities, biomarkers can help confirm or rule out concerns.
This integrated approach gives you a more holistic view of your health, beyond what mammograms can offer alone. Our patient case study showcases the life-saving potential of this combination of biomarkers and thermography.
Case Study: How Early Detection Saved a Life
In December 2023, a patient in her early sixties came to our practice to optimize her hormones as a post-menopausal woman. We encouraged her to get a thermography scan and tumor marker panel at the time of starting bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). The goal was to capture baseline data before her hormone correction and monitor her annually thereafter.
Her thermogram came back completely normal, as did her CA 15-3 and AFP markers, but her CEA level was significantly elevated at 13.4 ng/mL—well above the normal reference range of 0-2.9 ng/mL. Given her family history of pancreatic cancer and the unusual result, we decided to investigate further.
We measured two additional tumor markers—CA 125 and CA 19-9. While CA 125 came back within normal range, her CA 19-9 was elevated at 40 U/mL, a concerning sign given that CA 19-9 is often associated with pancreatic cancer and gastrointestinal tumors.
In February 2024, a repeat panel showed her CEA level trending up to 14.1 ng/mL and her CA 19-9 remained at 40 U/mL. Pancreatic enzymes, amylase and lipase, were checked as well as liver function tests which were all normal. She was referred for an abdominal and pelvic CT scan with contrast to investigate further.
The CT scan revealed a large fluid-filled cystic tumor measuring 9.6 × 4.2 cm in her intestine involving the appendix. This type of growth is often asymptomatic and could have led to severe complications, such as rupture, if left undetected.
The patient underwent surgery to remove the lesion as well as her ovaries, and her surgeon credited the early detection with saving her life. This case demonstrates how a thorough screening approach, combining thermography with biomarkers, can catch critical issues that may be missed by traditional methods like mammograms.
Our Patient’s Testimonial
Who is a Candidate for Thermography and Biomarker Testing?
We encourage women—especially those with dense breasts, a family history of cancer, or those on BHRT—to consider a combination of thermography and biomarker testing. This approach provides a comprehensive screening option that’s effective even for young women starting at age 20, pregnant/nursing mothers, and women with breast implants.
Special Offer for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are offering $30 off upper-body thermography scans throughout October. Now is the time to take control of your health and explore comprehensive screening options that give you peace of mind. Don’t wait—schedule your thermography and biomarker test today.
References:
- Luo, J., Xiao, J., Yang, Y., Chen, G., Hu, D., & Zeng, J. (2023). Strategies for five tumour markers in the screening and diagnosis of female breast cancer. Frontiers in Oncology, 12, 1055855. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9899879/
Lilly Young
Lilly Young, raised in the realm of health and wellness by her mother, Dr. Lari Young, blends her passion for writing and medical research to offer insightful contributions to the MyHealth1st blog.